Flat ribbon cable arrangement, flat ribbon cable and assembly procedure

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flat ribbon cable arrangement (1) comprising a flexible flat ribbon cable (2) arranged in a first plane (XY) and extending along a first direction (X), at least one adhesive element (6) arranged on a first surface (3) of the flat ribbon cable (2), and at least one forming element (10) extending in a ground state parallel to the first plane (XY) and connected to the flat ribbon cable (2) via the adhesive element (6), wherein the forming element (10) and the flat ribbon cable (2) have different coefficients of thermal expansion, and wherein the forming element (10) transitions to a final state upon the input of energy (E) by changing its size with respect to the first plane (XY), such that the flat ribbon cable (2) extends at least partially in the third direction (Z).The invention further relates to a flat ribbon cable (20) and an assembly method for a flat ribbon cable arrangement (1) or a flat ribbon cable (20).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a flat ribbon cable arrangement, a flat ribbon line and a mounting method for a flat ribbon cable arrangement or a flat ribbon line, preferably for use in the automotive sector. State of the art

[0002] Flat ribbon cables, especially flexible flat cables (FFCs), for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals are experiencing increasing interest in the automotive sector. Due to their flexible properties, they adapt well to the contours of a vehicle and can therefore be installed in a space-saving manner. However, the flexibility of flat ribbon cables means they do not have a defined geometry, which complicates manual or automated processing or assembly. In some prior art designs of flat ribbon cables, the shape of the cable is determined during production, but this is not always advantageous. Description of the invention

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a flat ribbon cable and an assembly method which simplify or improve and / or make more reliable the processing and / or assembly processes, especially in the automotive sector.

[0004] The aforementioned problem is solved by a flat ribbon cable arrangement according to claim 1, a flat ribbon cable according to claim 7, and an assembly method according to claim 11. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0005] In particular, the above-mentioned problem is solved by a ribbon cable arrangement comprising a flexible ribbon cable with at least one conductor for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals, arranged in a first plane and extending along a first direction, at least one adhesive element arranged on a first surface of the ribbon cable, at least one shaped element extending parallel to the first plane in a ground state and connected to the ribbon cable via the adhesive element, wherein the shaped element and the ribbon cable each have different coefficients of thermal expansion, and wherein the shaped element transitions to a final state under the input of energy by changing its size with respect to the first plane, such that the ribbon cable extends at least partially in the third direction.

[0006] The present flat ribbon cable arrangement has at least the advantage that the shape of the flat ribbon cable changes upon application of energy. While the flat ribbon cable arrangement exhibits flexible properties in a basic state and preferably extends in a first plane while lying down, in a final state, after energy is applied, the flat ribbon cable arrangement assumes a predetermined orientation and extends at least partially, preferably from the first plane, in a third direction. The present flat ribbon cable arrangement can be laid flexibly before energy is applied and assumes a rigid or stiffened shape, at least partially, after the energy is applied. The partially rigid or stiffened shape is more dimensionally stable and robust than the original flexible shape (i.e., before energy is applied). Thus, at least the durability of the flat ribbon cable arrangement is increased.The partially rigid or stiffened shape can be determined independently of the flat ribbon cable manufacturing process.

[0007] Preferably, the adhesive element comprises a double-sided adhesive tape or a molten surface on the molded part or a section of the ribbon cable with an undercut that connects the molded part to the ribbon cable by positive locking. The adhesive element can be easily and securely attached to or connected with the ribbon cable. The adhesive element can be integrated during the manufacturing of the ribbon cable or added subsequently. The adhesive element can be flexibly positioned on the ribbon cable.

[0008] Preferably, the energy input consists of thermal radiation. Thermal radiation can be easily applied to the molded element or the ribbon cable, for example, via a hot air blower. The thermal expansion properties of the molded element or the ribbon cable with a first and a second substrate layer can be adapted so that only a small amount of heat energy, or, if necessary, a very large amount, is required to achieve deformation. The amount of heat input can be controlled via the temperature and / or duration. The amount of heat input can vary along (the first direction) of the ribbon cable, thereby producing different deformations.

[0009] Preferably, the flat ribbon cable has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the shaped element.

[0010] Preferably, the forming element is composed of at least a first and a second layer, which in a basic state each extend parallel to the first layer and each has a different coefficient of thermal expansion, wherein the first layer is arranged closer to the ribbon cable than the second layer and the first layer has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the second layer. The described arrangement has the effect that the forming element forms a U-shape open on the side facing away from the ribbon cable and thereby pulls the ribbon cable in this direction. Thus, the deformation of the ribbon cable can be controlled or predetermined by the arrangement and the properties of the first and second layers.

[0011] Preferably, at least the second layer of the molded element or the second substrate layer contracts under energy input, preferably plastically. Besides expansion under heat input, contraction or shrinkage is also possible. The greatest deformation can be achieved when one layer contracts and the other expands under energy input. Plastic contraction has the advantage that the contracted shape is permanently retained after the energy input.

[0012] Preferably, the final state comprises an angle of at least 30 degrees, more preferably at least 60 degrees, more preferably at least 90 degrees, and most preferably at least 120 degrees relative to the initial state. The degree to which a flat ribbon cable (section) is bent can be individually adjusted. This adjustment is preferably achieved via the thermal expansion or shrinkage properties of the first and second layers of the molded element.

[0013] Preferably, the ribbon cable deforms in its final state within a specific area where at least one shaping element is located. Because the ribbon cable deforms only section by section within a specific area, its path along its primary direction (longitudinal direction) can be individually adapted.

[0014] Preferably, the forming element, or at least the second substrate layer, assumes a rigid shape in its final state after energy is applied, thus giving the ribbon cable or ribbon line a rigid shape in the specified area. The forming element or ribbon line hardens or stiffens after the energy is applied. Since the forming element is connected to the ribbon cable, this stiffening is transferred to the ribbon cable. Although the flexible properties of the ribbon cable itself do not change in the specified area, the ribbon cable experiences stiffening and dimensional stability there. Because the flexible properties of the ribbon cable remain unchanged when using a forming element, the deformation cannot have any potentially negative effects on the electrical or optical conductor(s) in the ribbon cable.

[0015] The above-mentioned problem is further solved in particular by a flat ribbon cable comprising a first and a second ribbon-like substrate layer which extend in a first plane in a ground state, at least one conductor for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals which is arranged between the first and second substrate layer and extends along a first direction, wherein the first and the second substrate layer have different coefficients of thermal expansion, and the flat ribbon cable with the first and second substrate layer transitions into a final state under energy input in which the flat ribbon cable deforms at least partially from the first plane into a third direction.

[0016] The above-mentioned problem is further solved in particular by an assembly method for a ribbon cable arrangement, wherein the ribbon cable arrangement comprises at least one ribbon cable with at least one conductor for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals, an adhesive element and a shaped element which is attached to the ribbon cable via the adhesive element, or for a ribbon cable with at least one conductor for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals and with a first and a second substrate layer which have different coefficients of thermal expansion, and the method comprises the steps of: providing the ribbon cable in a first plane and arranging the at least one adhesive element and the at least one shaped element on a first surface of the ribbon cable parallel to the first plane, wherein the shaped element is connected to the ribbon cable via the adhesive element.or providing the flat ribbon cable with the first and second substrate layers in a first plane and supplying energy to the form element or the flat ribbon cable, so that the form element or the flat ribbon cable deforms from a ground state to a final state, wherein the flat ribbon cable or the flat ribbon cable extends at least partially in the third direction in the final state.

[0017] In the present assembly method, providing the ribbon cable or ribbon wire in a first layer means that the ribbon cable or ribbon wire is placed flat on a substrate, at least in sections, so that in the subsequent step, a (careful) adhesive element can be applied, at least in the flat section. This assembly method has the advantage that, due to its flexible properties, the ribbon cable or ribbon wire can initially be routed very easily and flexibly, for example, in a vehicle body, and then stiffened, at least in predetermined areas. The stiffening provides additional support for the ribbon cable assembly or ribbon wire and increases its service life. This method is easy to implement and can be used, particularly in the automotive sector, also on the (assembly) line.

[0018] Preferably, the method includes, prior to the application of energy, the step of laying or assembling the flat ribbon cable or flat ribbon line in its final geometry or orientation. If the cable or line is laid before the energy is applied, its flexible nature allows for a high degree of installation flexibility. Even in confined spaces, the flat ribbon cable or flat ribbon line can be laid easily and optimally. Applying energy to the cable or line after it has been arranged in its final geometry or orientation increases its stiffness, ensuring it is optimally adapted to the geometry / orientation.

[0019] Preferably, the deformation to the final state occurs either in or perpendicular to the first direction, so that the ribbon cable is bent either perpendicular to or in the first direction. When deformed in the first direction, the ribbon cable bends in the first direction. When deformed perpendicular to the first direction, the ribbon cable curls towards its central axis. A curled ribbon cable exhibits higher bending stiffness.

[0020] The following description of embodiments is given with reference to the accompanying figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of a section of a first embodiment of a flat ribbon cable arrangement; Fig. 2 a schematic side view of a section of an embodiment of a flat ribbon cable; Fig. 3 a schematic view of an embodiment of a deformation of a molded element or a flat ribbon cable under energy supply; Fig. 4 a perspective view of an embodiment of a flat ribbon cable arrangement with shaped elements in a basic state; and Fig. 5 the view from Fig. 4 with form elements in a final state.

[0021] Preferred embodiments are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a flat ribbon cable arrangement 1. The illustrated flat ribbon cable arrangement 1 comprises at least one flexible flat ribbon cable 2 with at least one conductor 4 for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals. If there are multiple conductors 4, they can be arranged in a single layer or in multiple layers within the flat ribbon cable 2. The conductors 4 can comprise metallic conductors for transmitting electrical signals and / or fiber optic cables for transmitting optical signals. The conductor(s) extend along the first direction X within the flat ribbon cable 2. The illustrated flat ribbon cable arrangement 1 is shown in a simplified form, such that it is arranged in a first plane XY and extends along the first direction X.

[0023] The illustrated flat ribbon cable arrangement 1 has at least one adhesive element 6 arranged on a first surface 3 of the flat ribbon cable 2. The adhesive element 6 often comprises a double-sided adhesive tape or a molten surface on the molded element 10, or a partial area of ​​the flat ribbon cable 2 with an undercut that connects the molded element 10 to the flat ribbon cable 2 by positive locking. The adhesive element 6 can be attached to the flat ribbon cable 2 in any number and size. Preferably, the flat ribbon cable arrangement 1 has a plurality of adhesive elements 6 along the first direction X, which are spaced apart from one another (see figure). Fig. 4) The adhesive elements 6 can be attached to the flat ribbon cable 2 during its manufacture or subsequently. In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive elements 6 can also be arranged on a surface of the flat ribbon cable 2 opposite the first surface 3. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive element 6 comprises a double-sided adhesive tape, for example, with a thickness of 0.8 mm.

[0024] The illustrated ribbon cable arrangement 1 further comprises at least one shaped element 10 which, in its basic state, extends parallel to the first plane XY. Each shaped element 10 is connected to the ribbon cable 2 via an adhesive element 6. The shaped elements 10 can be connected to the ribbon cable 2 during its manufacture or subsequently. An adhesive element 6 can be smaller than or equal in size to the connected shaped element 10 on the ribbon cable 2. A shaped element 10 can be, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows a structure composed of at least one first and one second layer 11, 12, wherein one first layer 11 is sufficient. In the ground state, the first layer, or the first and second layers 11, 12, each extend parallel to the first plane XY. Preferably, the first and second layers 11, 12 are of equal size in the respective feature 10. The first and second layers 11, 12, or at least the first layer 11 and the ribbon cable 2, each have different coefficients of thermal expansion. Preferably, the first layer 11 is arranged closer to the ribbon cable 2 than the second layer 12, and the first layer 11 has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the second layer 12.

[0025] The form element 10 has the property that, under the input of energy (E), the form element 10 transitions into a final state by changing its size with respect to the first plane XY, so that the ribbon cable 2 extends at least partially in the third direction Z (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 5) In colloquial terms, the form element 10 bends out of the first plane XY in the third direction Z, thereby pulling or pushing the ribbon cable 2 with it. The energy input E preferably comprises thermal radiation, for example from a hot air gun. In particular, at least the first and / or second layer 11, 12 contracts under energy input E, preferably plastically. Plastic contraction means that the first and / or second layer 11, 12 and the form element 10 retain the (changed / bent) shape in the final state after the energy input E. The final state preferably comprises an angle α of at least 30 degrees, more preferably at least 60 degrees, more preferably at least 90 degrees, and most preferably at least 120 degrees with respect to the ground state (see Figure 5). Fig. 5) The deformation of the ribbon cable 2 in its final state preferably occurs in a specific region B. A region B can be slightly larger than the shaped element 10 in that region B. "Slightly larger" means less than an additional 20 percent, preferably less than an additional 10 percent, and most preferably less than an additional 5 percent of the area of ​​the shaped element 10 on the ribbon cable 2. The deformation of the shaped element 10 extends further in the first plane XY than the mere size of the shaped element 10 on the ribbon cable 2. This prevents the ribbon cable 2 from kinking (which would interfere with the conductors 4). Different deformations (i.e., differently oriented and / or with different degrees of deformation) can occur along the ribbon cable 2. The present ribbon cable 2 can be deformed differently in different regions.In particular, after the energy input E, the forming element 10 assumes a rigid shape in its final state and imparts a rigid shape to the ribbon cable 2 in the defined area B. For example, permanently incorporated radii can be used to determine the distance of the ribbon cable 2 from edges or other chafing points. In a preferred embodiment, the forming element 10 comprises a heat-shrink tubing material, for example, polyolefin, PVC, silicone, PTFE, as well as other plastics in which the energy input triggers plastic deformation.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a flat ribbon cable 20. The flat ribbon cable 20 has at least a first and a second ribbon-like substrate layer 21, 22, which extend in a first plane XY in a ground state. Furthermore, the illustrated flat ribbon cable 20 has at least one conductor 4 for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals, which is arranged between the first and second substrate layers 21, 22. The at least one conductor 4 extends, like the first and second substrate layers 21, 22, along the first direction X. The first and second substrate layers 21, 22 have different coefficients of thermal expansion. The flat ribbon cable 20 with the first and second substrate layers 21, 22 transitions into a final state under the input of energy E, in which the flat ribbon cable 20 deforms, at least partially, from the first plane XY into the third direction Z (see Figure 2). Fig. 3).

[0027] A preferred embodiment of an assembly method for a ribbon cable arrangement 1 or a ribbon cable 20 is described below. The ribbon cable arrangement 1 comprises at least one ribbon cable 2 with at least one conductor 4 for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals, an adhesive element 6, and a shaped element 10, which is attached to the ribbon cable 2 via the adhesive element 6. The assembly method comprises at least the following steps: providing the ribbon cable 2 in a first plane X-Y and arranging the at least one adhesive element 6 and the at least one shaped element 10 on a first surface 3 of the ribbon cable 2 parallel to the first plane XY. The shaped element 10 is connected to the ribbon cable 2 via the adhesive element 6. The connection particularly includes a permanent connection. Alternatively, the ribbon cable 20 is provided in the first plane XY.Energy E is then supplied to the shaped element 10 or the ribbon cable 20, causing it to deform from a ground state to a final state. During deformation or in the final state, the ribbon cable 2 or the ribbon cable 20 extends at least partially in the third direction Z. Optionally, in practice, for example on a vehicle assembly line, the ribbon cable assembly 1 or the ribbon cable 20 can be laid or mounted in a final geometry or orientation, for example along the vehicle body, before the energy E is supplied. The deformation to the final state can be carried out with or perpendicular to the first direction X, so that the ribbon cable 2 is bent perpendicular to the first direction X or in the first direction X (see figure). Fig.5) When the ribbon cable 2 is bent transversely to the first direction X, it curls at least partially around its central axis, forming a trough shape. This trough shape can stabilize the cable assembly. After assembly, the entire ribbon cable 2 or ribbon cable 20 can have a consistently rigid or dimensionally stable shape, or it can be reinforced only in sections or areas B, retaining a flexible shape in between. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Flat ribbon cable arrangement 2 ribbon cables 3 first surface 4 conductors 6 adhesive element 10 Form element 11 first shift 12 second shift 20 flat ribbon cable 21 first substrate layer 22 second substrate layer α angle Area B Energy / Energy supply X first direction XY first level Y second direction Z third direction

Claims

a flat ribbon cable arrangement (1) comprising: a) a flexible flat ribbon cable (2) with at least one conductor (4) for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals, arranged in a first plane (XY) and extending along a first direction (X); b) at least one adhesive element (6) arranged on a first surface (3) of the flat ribbon cable (2); c) at least one shaped element (10) extending parallel to the first plane (XY) in a ground state and connected to the flat ribbon cable (2) via the adhesive element (6); wherein d) the shaped element (10) and the flat ribbon cable (2) have different coefficients of thermal expansion; and wherein e) the shaped element (10) transitions to a final state upon the input of energy (E) by changing its size with respect to the first plane (XY), such that the flat ribbon cable (2) extends, at least partially, in the third direction (Z). Flat ribbon cable arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive element (6) comprises a double-sided adhesive tape, or a molten surface on the molded element (10), or a partial area of ​​the flat ribbon cable (2) with an undercut that connects the molded element (10) to the flat ribbon cable (2) by positive locking. Flat ribbon cable arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flat ribbon cable (2) has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the molded element (10). Flat ribbon cable arrangement according to one of claims 1-3, wherein the form element (10) is composed of at least a first and a second layer (11, 12) which in a basic state each extend parallel to the first plane (XY) and which each have different coefficients of thermal expansion, wherein the first layer (11) is arranged closer to the flat ribbon cable (2) than the second layer (12) and the first layer (11) has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the second layer (12). Flat ribbon cable arrangement according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the final state comprises an angle (α) of at least 30 degrees, preferably at least 60 degrees, more preferably at least 90 degrees and most preferably at least 120 degrees relative to the ground state. Flat ribbon cable arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the flat ribbon cable (2) is deformed in the final state in a certain area (B) in which at least one shaping element (10) is arranged. Flat ribbon line (20) comprising: a) a first and a second ribbon-like substrate layer (21, 22) which extend in a ground state in a first plane (XY); b) at least one conductor (4) for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals, which is arranged between the first and second substrate layer (21, 22) and extends along a first direction (X); wherein c) the first and the second substrate layer (21, 22) have different coefficients of thermal expansion; and d) the flat ribbon line (20) with the first and second substrate layer (21, 22) transitions into a final state under the input of energy (E) by deforming the flat ribbon line (20) at least partially from the first plane (XY) into a third direction (Z). Flat ribbon cable according to claim 7, wherein the energy input (E) comprises thermal radiation. Flat ribbon cable according to claim 7 or 8, wherein at least the second substrate layer (22) contracts under energy input (E), preferably plastically. Flat ribbon cable according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second substrate layer (22) assumes a rigid shape in the final state after the energy supply (E) and gives the flat ribbon cable (20) a rigid shape. Assembly method for a ribbon cable arrangement (1), wherein the ribbon cable arrangement (1) comprises at least one ribbon cable (2) with at least one conductor (4) for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals and an adhesive element (6) and a shaped element (10) which is attached to the ribbon cable (2) via the adhesive element (6), or for a ribbon line (20) with at least one conductor (4) for transmitting electrical and / or optical signals and with a first and a second substrate layer (21, 22) which have different coefficients of thermal expansion, and the method comprises the steps: a) providing the ribbon cable (2) in a first plane (XY) and arranging the at least one adhesive element (6) and the at least one shaped element (10) on a first surface (3) on the ribbon cable (2) parallel to the first plane (XY), wherein the shaped element (10) is connected to the ribbon cable (2) via the adhesive element (6);or b) providing the ribbon cable (20) with the first and second substrate layers (21, 22) in a first plane (XY); and c) supplying energy (E) to the form element (10) or the ribbon cable (20) such that the form element (10) or the ribbon cable (20) deforms from a ground state to a final state, wherein the ribbon cable (2) or the ribbon cable (20) extends, at least partially, in the third direction (Z) in the final state. Assembly method according to claim 11, wherein the method comprises, prior to the supply of energy (E), the step of laying or assembling the flat ribbon cable arrangement (1) or the flat ribbon line (20) in a final geometry or orientation. Assembly method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the deformation into the final state is formed with or transverse to the first direction (X), such that the ribbon cable (2) is bent transversely to the first direction (X) or in the first direction (X).

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